The first question that may have entered your mind upon hearing there would be another Grinch movie was most likely, ‘Why?’  To that question Illumination and Universal Pictures, who are making this their eighth animated feature says, ‘Why not.’ Their skills are magical and that fact is palpable while watching this new, fresh take on the beloved Dr. Seuss’ classic. There have been others but if a new generation wants to give it a go, put their twist on things, they could hardly do better with this talented group. Academy Award® nominee, Benedict Cumberbatch, makes a great Grinch, coming off appropriately grumpy yet when needed, perfectly delivering and revealing his softer, broken heart inside. He may try to hide it but doesn’t do very well. 

‘The Grinch’ is the story of a cave-dwelling misanthrope who, after being denied Christmas as a child, aims to do the same to everyone in Whoville. He’s getting back at those who hurt him by taking it out on everyone else. He needs therapy.

So, he recruits his faithful dog, Max, to help. While on the hunt for reindeer to sell his charade, he finds one oddball, kind of kooky deer named Fred. With his trinkets and gadgets, sleigh and deer, he as Santa, can easily swoop in and swipe everyone’s presents, tree’s, lights and cookies. Note to parents: Fred brings several giggles from the youngest in the crowd as he’s warm and cuddly. I’m sure toys of this guy will be everywhere. They’ll most certainly be wanted.  

Flowing in and out of Pharrell Williams’ narration and the poetry of the original story plus adding the novelty managed in this rendition, this is a movie the kids can’t miss. We do meet new characters along the way but there’s always little, adorable, sweet Cindy-Lou Who to thwart the plans of this Grinch. What he doesn’t see coming is that she’s made plans of her own and that was to make sure she spoke to him. She has set a trap. She does catch him in the act and, trusting he’s the real deal, explains she wants only for her mother to be happy. Cindy-Lou is a genuine and giving soul who the Grinch couldn’t possibly see any fault with. This puts him in a bind. Maybe there’s good in this world after all? If so, can he go through with his assault on it?

If you liked the other movies, and the story as a whole, you’re going to like this, as well. Sure, it’s the same story but his coloring is bright and more agreeable, his shoes are as fuzzy as he is and it’s very relatable. They’ve added moments such as his ‘emotional eating’ and playing the song ‘All By Myself’ on the organ. There’s also a flashback where you see him as a child. Alone. No Christmas. If done well, there’s nothing wrong with taking an animated classic and improving or upgrading it. Having Illumination involved with this was a blessing. You’ll be entertained and so will the kids.

WEBSITE: http://www.grinchmovie.com/

‘Hotel Transylvania 3’ is very entertaining family fun with a powerful message that no one can ignore… or would even want to.

The third film in the franchise is a bit different than the others and in a positive way. Love is still in the air but we’re not in the Hotel. We are now on a cruise ship which lends the filmmakers plenty of room to offer the audience new sight gags, characters and outlandish situations. Moving from the Hotel allows for interesting and fun events for the characters to attend which works very well as the audience I saw it with went particularly crazy watching this fun animated feature. When you’re on a cruise in real life you have places you stop and get off before you reach your final destination. This happens here, as well, and each time they do or as the characters move from one area of the ship to the next, the tone, music and mood shifts and the children I was watching the movie with couldn’t have been more pleased. They were cheering. I’m betting yours will be, too.

When the movie starts, we see a nemesis of Dracula’s, named Van Helsing (Gaffigan), who, as his father and father’s father had done, chases Dracula through the years. Van Helsing never gives up his pursuit until, after watching him give chase for several minutes, he too meets his death. More about that after we see what Dracula is up to now. His daughter, Mavis (Gomez), sees him sulk about the house. He’s depressed, miserable and showing visible signs of tension and anxiety. She books him a trip on the cruise thinking he just needs to relax, never realizing he’s simply lonely. He lost his wife and wants to find love again.

You’re now all caught up.

So, off to get on a cruise they go. I have to mention that you’re going to howl at the plane ride they take getting there.

Anyway, on the ship, he meets Ericka (Hahn) who ends up being the granddaughter of the famous Vampire Hunter; not that he knows this. Her ship caters to monsters and is now filled with them. Several monsters, which are based on hysterical stereotypes of humans, are meeting and falling in love, which is what Dracula does the moment he sees her. He feels a Zing (true love) happen, which is supposed to only happen once. Is it a true Zing? He is willing to find out.

However, it doesn’t matter if he Zing’s or not. Love is not in her plans. She wants to fulfill the family legacy and do as her ancestors did. She intends to rid the planet of Dracula and, in fact, all monsters. Though she starts to grow fond of Dracula and his family, she finds the ‘Instrument of Destruction’ to destroy the population of monsters and is going to use it. When she has it, she does use it; to raise a giant monster who, when under the spell of music, goes bonkers and wipes out everything around. This explains Atlantis and The Bermuda Triangle and… ‘WAIT! She raises a monster that will take out all monsters?!’ Okay. A little weak there but it works if you don’t think too hard.

I won’t give away the rest accept to let you know that you’ll love the Fish Man that’s voiced by Chris Parnell, delight when ‘Good Vibrations,’ ‘Be Happy’ and the ‘Macarena’ are used and strongly appreciate the intentional point revealed in the film which is that you have to be ‘greater than the haters’ because… ‘we’re all the same.’ Go see ‘Hotel Transylvania 3’ with the whole family and if you haven’t seen the first two yet, check them out, too. I can’t imagine this storyline will continue much longer but they managed to keep this sequel riveting, something all of the adults will be particularly fond of.  ZING!